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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Information for students admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in or after the Fall semester of 2025.

Overview – The Graduate College accepts prospective candidates for the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy. Degree requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree are:

1. Total Credits for Graduation 109

2. Successful completion, PASS all required modules and Clinical Internships.

Year 1:

  • DPT 600 Foundational Studies (15) (Fall)
  • DPT 610 Acute Care Studies (15) (Spring)
  • DPT 620 Community and Rural Studies (6) (Summer)
  • DPT 700 Clinical Internship 1 (6) (Summer)

Year 2:

  • DPT 630 Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Studies (7) (Fall)
  • DPT 710 Clinical Internship 2 (8) (Fall)
  • DPT 640 Outpatient Studies (15) (Spring)
  • DPT 720 Clinical Internship 3 (10) (Summer)

Year 3:

3. Students to select 4 electives from the 780 series (3 credits each - 12 total) (Fall). PASS the requisite number of elective courses as required by the curriculum.

Elective options will include:

  • DPT 781: Advanced Pediatrics
  • DPT 782: Extreme Geriatrics
  • DPT 783: Hand Therapy
  • DPT 784: Oncology
  • DPT 785: Pelvic Health
  • DPT 786: Research and Academia
  • DPT 787: Rural and Primary Care
  • DPT 788: The Sports PT
  • DPT 789: The Performing Artist.
  • DPT 730 Final Clinical Internship (12) (Spring)
  • DPT 798 Comprehensive Conclusions (3) (Spring)

4. Successfully complete the Research Project.

5. Pass both the written and practical final comprehensive examinations.

6. Membership of the APTA

  • Students are required to join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) within 30 days of the start of the program and provide proof thereof.
  • Students are also required to be members of a minimum of two (2) section Academies (note that several of the Academies offer free membership to students). 

7. Attendance at an APTA or Equivalent Conference

  • As part of the DPT program students will be required to attend a minimum of 2 full days of a state, national or international conference sponsored by the APTA or international equivalent. Students will be required to provide proof of registration and attendance. 

8. Plan of Study: The Plan of Study will be submitted for a student in the DPT program by the Director of Registration and Records.

9. Time Limit – Students must complete the three-year program in accordance with accreditation requirements within a maximum timeframe of 150% of the standard program, thereby 4.5 years.

10. Important Degree Dates and Deadlines:

  • Responsible Conduct Form – Student must be acknowledged in GradPath
  • Doctoral Plan of Study – Generally by the 3rd semester, if earlier - will be entered by the Graduate Advisor (Director, Registration & Records).
  • Doctoral Completion Confirmation Form - Submitted by the Graduate Advisor (or Director of Registration and Records) on behalf of the student to initiate the final Graduate College degree audit.
  • Commencement and Degree Award Date – the University of Arizona Degree Award dates.